January's Focus and Prevention

This month we have a lot to think about! January is National Human Trafficking

Prevention Month. Maybe you know someone who has been affected by this, maybe not, but we as a community can do our part to learn about the warning signs and educate ourselves to hopefully put an end to human trafficking. Since human trafficking disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities, women, and girls, LGBTQI+ individuals, vulnerable migrants, and other historically marginalized and underserved communities, our mission to combat human trafficking must always be connected to our broader efforts to advance equity and justice across our society (U.S. Department of State, 2022). It is the marginalized communities that are at a higher risk and most vulnerable to be impacted. There are estimated to be more than 24.9 million people — adults and children — subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the United States. Traffickers often take advantage of instability caused by natural disasters, conflict, or a pandemic to exploit others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, traffickers are continuing to perpetrate the crime, finding ways to innovate and capitalize on the chaos (U.S.Department of State, 2022). With that being said, that only demonstrates the gravity of the importance we need to take to listen to our loved ones and take time to look out for each other. We all deserve to feel safe and comfortable and there’s so many ways we can accomplish that.

Communicate your needs and use your voice; it is a powerful tool! Next month, look out for

events discussing empowerment and consent!

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888

References

U.S. Department of State. (2022, January 10). National Human Trafficking Prevention Month -

United States Department of State. U.S. Department of State. Retrieved January 10, 2022,

from https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-

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